Basic Procedure For Draining Supply Pipes

Sometimes you have to be able to drain the plumbing system in your home. Whether you need major plumbing repair, want to shut down the property for the winter season, or have another reason for doing so, this is something that you could do yourself.

Drain the plumbing system

This is the first step in the entire process. The first thing you are going to do is shut off the main water valve at the water meter. This is going to prevent new water from coming into the property. You begin at the top floor of your home, and open all the sink faucets. Afterwards, you go to the basement (or the lowest level of your home) and you open the faucet in your laundry tub. Here you are going to let all the water from the above floors drain out.

After doing so, you go back upwards and open the faucets to the shower/tub. Afterwards, you are going to flush all the toilets and leave the faucets at the open position. You should notice that none of the faucets has water coming out of them (with the exception of a slight residual drip).

Charge the plumbing system again

If you want to activate your plumbing system afterward and make sure that it refills with water, you do the following. First, you close the faucet of the basement (or the lowest level of the home). Now you go upstairs, and do the same thing. By ensuring that all the faucets are closed, it means that it gives the air chambers a chance to recharge. After doing so and waiting for a bit, you open the main water valve again. This is going to let the water back into your pipes.

Starting with the highest-level faucets, you are going to turn the faucets on one by one and let the water/air sputter out until you see clear water come from the faucet. It is normal if you see discolored water come out at first. After this is done, flush the toilets and you should notice that the water is running clear. Start shutting off the faucets at the top of the house and make your way down.

Getting professional help